Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

I thank Senator Buttimer for sharing time. I welcome the Minister of State. I wish to highlight this issue because of the fear and the devastating impact that would ensue if there were to be cuts to carers' payments in the imminent budget. As Senator Buttimer has said, a total of €2.5 million has already been saved to the State every year by these people being allowed to care for their relatives in their own homes. It is Government policy to keep people in their own homes. What upsets me is that the carers are over a barrel. Any of us here would care for our elderly relatives and try to keep them at home no matter what and this will still be the case whether the budget is for them or against them. It is unfair because we need to support these people.

I ask the Minister of State that the carers' strategy be put back on the table and the budget-neutral proposals brought forward by the Carers Association and to which Senator Buttimer referred, be adhered to. If they are implemented they will not cost the State anything but will be of great assistance to carers who are the unsung heroes whose voices are silent. They are prepared to do the work anyway, regardless of whether we support them because they love their dear ones. It is incumbent on us as legislators to care for them.